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No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Compare car rental prices from top suppliers in Catania with Road Genius. From compact cars to large SUVs and minivans, you'll find vehicles at great prices in convenient locations. Pick up at Catania Airport (CTA), in the city center or at the train station, then visit Mount Etna, Taormina and Syracuse at your own pace. Watch for ZTL zones and book early for July to August if you need an automatic.
| Location Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Catania Airport (CTA) | • Immediate access upon arrival • All major rental companies present • Wider vehicle selection |
• Airport surcharges (approximately 16%) • Potential wait times during peak flight arrivals • 7 km (4 miles) from city center |
| Catania City Center | • Convenient for those already in the city • No airport fees • Multiple locations around city |
• Navigating city traffic immediately • Limited vehicle selection • Limited opening hours |
| Catania Train Station | • Convenient for train arrivals • Central location • Good public transport connections |
• Smaller offices offering fewer cars • Often closed on Sundays and holidays • Potential traffic congestion |
On average, car rentals in Catania cost around €83 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from €8 per day.
Compare airport vs city pickup in Catania. Airport has about a 16% surcharge and longer peak wait times. City offices can be cheaper if their hours work for you. Overall savings often 10-15% when you factor bus/taxi into town.
Time your trip smartly. Peak (July-August, Easter): book 2-3 months ahead to lock options and avoid spikes. Shoulder months (May-June, Sep-Oct) and off-peak (Nov-Mar) can be 25-50% cheaper.
Stretch to a weekly rate. 7+ days often drops the daily price by 15-25%, sometimes beating a 5-6 day booking.
Pick the smallest car you’re comfy with. Easier parking in Catania, Taormina and Ortigia, and lower fuel use. Manuals are cheaper; automatics cost more and need early booking in peak season.
Keep add-ons low. Extra drivers are about €10/day and under-25 surcharges around €20/day. Use one main driver, ideally 25+, and return to the same location to avoid typical €50-100 one-way fees.
Avoid ZTL fines and refuel smart. Use GPS with ZTL alerts and park outside historic centers to skip €80-100 fines. Return full using cheaper self-service near CTA, like ENI Via Fontanarossa or IP Viale Kennedy, and keep the receipt.
| Type | Identification | Cost (Approx.) | Key Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Street Parking (City) | Blue lines | Paid; rates vary | Time limits may apply. Pay at meters or via apps. |
| Limited Time Parking | White lines with signs | Free using time disc | Set your arrival time on a "disco orario" time disc (usually provided along with rental). |
| Free Parking | White lines without signs | Free | Very limited in city center, more common in outskirts. |
| Parking Garages | Signed "P" | Paid; rates vary | Several available in city center. Safest option for overnight stops. |
Ask your hotel about access if staying within a restricted zone
Drive on the right, overtake on the left
Rent a car so you can drive to:
Mount Etna - Rifugio Sapienza
Syracuse - Ortigia
Taormina
Noto
Ragusa and Modica
Beaches south of Catania
Is it difficult to drive in Catania city center?
Driving in Catania's city center can be tricky because of its narrow streets, few parking spots and the ZTL restricted zone. Many visitors park outside the center and find it easier to walk or use public transport in the city.
Can I take my rental car on the ferry to mainland Italy?
Most rental companies let you take your car to mainland Italy on the ferry, but you need to tell them first. They might charge you extra fees and might have restrictions for some types of cars.
What documents do I need to rent a car in Catania?
A valid driver's license, an International Driving Permit (or an official translation) for licenses from outside the EU/EEA, a credit card in the driver's name and a passport or ID card.
How do I avoid getting ZTL fines in Sicilian towns?
Find out where the ZTL zones are before you go, use a GPS that warns you about ZTLs and look for "ZTL" or "Area Pedonale" signs while you're driving. If you're not sure, it's best to park outside the historic centers and walk from there.
Is it worth getting a car if I'm only staying in Catania?
If you're just exploring Catania city, you probably don't need a car. Finding parking and dealing with ZTL zones can be a hassle. However, if you plan to visit surrounding areas like Mount Etna, Syracuse or nearby beaches, a rental car helps a lot.
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